Secure firearms storage

bbengleking · November 17, 2016

So I've been trying to think of secure and safe firearms storage in a 5th wheel and I keep going to the under the bed space. Has anyone done this or something else that was safe and secure? I'm not looking to get into debates about firearms, just secure, responsible storage in a 5th wheel.

Chad Heiser · November 17, 2016

If you are talking hand guns, then there are many decent safes that can be bolted down to secure them. If you are talking long guns, then it is a little more difficult. Secure in a 5th wheel is still a relative term. Unless the safe is somehow attached to steel framing, nothing inside a 5th wheel is truly secure.

bbengleking · November 17, 2016

Secure in a house is still relative as well. I'm just looking to keep little hands and prying eyes out.

skp51443 · November 17, 2016

A pistol safe under the bed or in the bottom of a closet should be fine.

If you need to store long guns consider going to a metal shop and having them make you a custom fit gun safe for under the bed.

Yarome · November 17, 2016

I agree. The only thing I would add is that I personally wouldn't consider a handgun in the underbed storage. It's not as readily accessible as it would be inside of a bedside cabinet.

TCW · November 17, 2016

Under the bed is likely one of the larger spaces for long gun storage. Some foldout sofa beds and jack knife sofas have space underneath that can be used for storage. If there are dinette benches with storage, the space may be large enough for break down long guns like double barrel or over and under shotguns. Larger wardrobes may have enough room for upright storage of one or two long guns in the back behind the clothes.

Chalkie · November 17, 2016

For hand gun storage I have mounted one of these on the end of the dresser, pretty much as shown in the picture.

VelocityVault

bbengleking · November 17, 2016

Anyone have pics? You can PM me for safety reasons. I like to see how others manage is all. I'm thinking long guns under the bed and hand guns in the closet in cases.

whj469 · November 18, 2016

I keep my handgun loaded, clip in, and ready to go. Unless I have a grandkid.

I keep the gun for protection and I don't feel that it would offer much protection

if it was hard to get.

RV_ · November 19, 2016

While there are lots of alternatives in both home made and retail safes available, I used a metal 5.56mm military Ammo can lag bolted under the bed in the front right corner for handguns, and just laid the shotgun and rifles in cases under it loose. I just put a hasp on the bed between the top and front sidewall. Simple keyed lock is all I needed. The military ammo can can also lock.

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Club-Locking-Hardware-Steel/dp/B018EYU5HQ/ref=pd_sim_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K84Q37WSTHQZWKW3WHFK

Most beds are over the basement in fivers and you can see where the 1" lag bolts will go. I just drilled 3/8ths holes in the bottom of the steel ammo can and then used 1/4" X 2" lag bolts through the bottom of the can. Then when the foam inserts and guns are in, and the lock is locked on the box, it is pretty tough to get under it to remove it quickly.

The reason for the foam inserts is that I did not want any damage to the finish from vibration causing rubbing while on the road:

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Club-Pistol-Pre-cut-Military/dp/B00K8GWRYI

Simple and inexpensive. Then you can take them out when parked or whatever each individual wants to do. These are just for secure storage from kids and adults who put their noses where they don't belong. When anyone uses locked storage is their biz.

For idea pics click here: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rv+under+bed+storage&view=detailv2&qpvt=rv+under+bed+storage&id=863A2090576D12C9684E4FAA475E00E335E42AE5&selectedindex=31&ccid=7d8Ulq91&simid=607987101992878452&thid=OIP.Meddf1496af7568c1c220ba769bdd69e6o0&mode=overlay&first=1

On edit, for those unfamiliar with storage in rifle/shotgun cases, rust formation can increase so take them out and clean them more often. The steel ammo cans are hermetically sealed and with just a small packet of moisture absorber can be less rusty than storage at home. Just inspect more often until you know.

SuiteSuccess · November 19, 2016

I agree with RV. Better to have long guns unloaded in cases and lying flat when traveling rather than standing unless they are secured from jostling. Not good to have a nice rifle/shotgun with rub marks. Also look at StackOn website. They make several inexpensive handgun safes from thick wall to thin wall that can be easily bolted to floor in closet or under bed. Some of the thin walls just have keyed barrel locks.

jerryneal · November 19, 2016

I use a Tuffy underseat security box under the bed and bolted simular to Derek's post. Holds ARs, pistols, etc. with a key lock in the lid.

Yarome · November 19, 2016

VelocityVault

That's pretty nifty!! Thanks for sharing, Chalkie. That would be perfect for a ready access house backup.

I don't want to shoot myself in the foot.. because I intend to pick one up myself.. but rumor has it.. Costco will be offering the VelocityVault for $69.99 + $2.99 shipping as a black Friday item. (online only) November 25th-28th. I don't know if this information is legit, but I plan to give it a look-see.

Chalkie · November 19, 2016

That's pretty nifty!! Thanks for sharing, Chalkie. That would be perfect for a ready access house backup.

I don't want to shoot myself in the foot.. because I intend to pick one up myself.. but rumor has it.. Costco will be offering the VelocityVault for $69.99 + $2.99 shipping as a black Friday item. (online only) November 25th-28th. I don't know if this information is legit, but I plan to give it a look-see.

I just looked in the flyer I got at our Costco store and it is more than rumor. When I got mine in the store, and I hope to see them this year again, but it is definitely on for online ordering. I would like another.

Yarome · November 20, 2016

I just looked in the flyer I got at our Costco store and it is more than rumor.

Fantastic! I appreciate you looking that up. Can't always trust what you see on the internet. Does it happen to say if there is a limit per customer? For occasions when it's not appropriate to carry.. I wouldn't mind having a second one in the cab rather than stashing it between the seats or the glove box.

Chalkie · November 20, 2016

Does it happen to say if there is a limit per customer?

There is nothing in the flyer that indicates a limit.

Big5er · November 21, 2016

Secure in a house is still relative as well. I'm just looking to keep little hands and prying eyes out.

Yeah, but in the house, my gun safe was bolted into a concrete floor. Like Chad said, unless it is attached to the frame, nothing in a travel trailer is that secure.

Also, my bed is in the slide. It moves and is fairly weak. Its a strong wooden frame with a plywood bottom. No bolts going in there...and screwing a safe into cheap wood isn't any good either. A locked gun case and cable locks will keep little hands and prying eyes away. And a cheap portable safe will keep all the keys together.